News

SR 99-Mercer Street weekend closures results in traffic jam

Seattle — The weekend construction closures for State Route 99 and Mercer Street started late Friday night, and it has caused traffic congestion in the area, even during the late evening.

Crews are working on the West Phase of the Mercer Corridor Project. The project will widen Mercer Street and rebuild the Aurora/Highway 99 overpass. This task requires crews to close sections of both roadways.

Starting on Monday, traffic on Mercer Street will be down to two eastbound lanes for two years.

Driving through the city will be difficult and drivers are advised to take alternate routes.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Graham Johnson spoke with a driver trying to get through Queen Anne.

“I think it will add some time. I’ll probably have to go up Queen Anne,” said one driver.

Eric Tweit of the Seattle Department of Transportation advises drivers to give extra time when commuting.

Later in the day KIRO 7’s Henry Rosoff saw people backed up after 11 o’clock. In the early evening, Rosoff spoke with some teens who were late to the prom.  He also spoke with a man who works in the produce section of the nearby QFC. The man told him there were far fewer people in the store than there normally are on a Saturday.

A detour map illustrating Mercer Street lane restrictions and pedestrian detours beginning May 20 is available online for vehicles at:

www.seattle.gov/transportation/mercercorridor.htm